Direct injection micro nebulizer system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A direct injection micro nebulizer system for use in nebulizing sample solutions in close proximity to sample analysis systems, is disclosed. The present invention offers design features and utility not available in previously known micro nebulizer systems. The present invention, preferrably, provides single piece unibody construction of the primary body element, and construction of all element thereof from nonmetallic, hydrofloric acid resistant materials. The present invention allows easy cleaning and adjustment of element relationships which are necessary to proper operation of direct injection micro nebulizer systems. Use of separate or integrated protective sleeving on otherwise crushable sample solution delivery tubing is also disclosed. Use of the direct injection micro nebulizer with standard and specially designed inductively coupled plasma torches, as well as other sample analysis systems is disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for use in analysisof samples, and more particularly to a small internal volume, easy touse total consumption micro nebulizer system which directly nebulizesand injects sample solutions into closely situated sample analysissystems.

BACKGROUND

The use of sample solution nebulizer systems to introduce liquid samplesinto sample analysis systems is well known. Sample solution nebulizationis typically accomplished by known mechanical, pneumatic or ultrasonicmeans for instance, and sample analysis systems which can be usedinclude Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), other plasma based systems,and mass spectrometers.

Typically, sample solution nebulization is carried out in an aerosolchamber at a location remote from a sample analysis system, andnebulized sample droplets must be transported to the location of thesample analysis system by way of a connection means. A common problemwhich occures during use is that nebulized sample is lost by adherenceto the internal walls of the aerosol chamber and connection meansbetween the output of the sample nebulizer system and the input to thesample analysis system. Additionally, the aerosol chamber and connectingmeans volume must be filled with nebulized sample to cause nebulizedsample to eject from said connection means into the remotely locatedsample analysis system. A relatively larger amount of nebulized samplemust then be prepared than would be the case if the sample nebulizersystem had no aerosol chamber and was situated in closer proximity tothe sample analysis system. System sensitivity is, as a result,adversely affected and tedious, time consuming, system flushingprocedures are often required to prevent sample carry-over from oneanalysis procedure from contaminating subsequent analysis procedureresults. It would then, be very beneficial if a sample nebulizer systemwhich did not require an aerosol chamber and which could be positionedclosely adjacent to sample analysis systems were available.

In view of the identified problems, Fassel et al., designed a "micronebulizer" system and obtained a Patent thereon in 1986, said Patentbeing U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,609. The Fassel et al. teachings are that themicro nebulizer should be inserted directly into a standard torch of thetype used in Inductively Coupled Plasma sample analysis, in whichstandard torch, during use, a plasma is formed. The micro nebulizer isdesigned to perform sample solution nebulization directly. That is, theaerosol chamber and connection means internal volume between the samplenebulizer system and a remotely located sample analysis system iseliminated.

The Fassel et al. invention assumes the presence of a first tube, whichfirst tube is essentially the sample injector tube of a standard torch.Briefly, to aid with understanding, a standard torch is comprised of aseries of elongated concentric tubes, which concentric tubes aretypically, but not necessarily, made of quartz. The centermost tube istypically termed the sample injector tube. It is typically circumscribedby an intermediate tube, which intermediate tube is typicallycircumscribed by an outer tube. One can visualize the torch system inside elevation, from a position perpendicularly removed therefrom, withthe longitudinal dimensions of the various elongated tubes projectingvertically upward from an underlying horizontal surface. Sampleparticles from a typical sample nebulizing system are typically injectedvertically into the sample injector tube of the standard torch from asample access port at the vertically lower aspect thereof, and caused toflow through said sample injector tube to the upper aspect thereof underthe influence of a pressure gradient, whereat they are ejected into thespace above said upper aspect of the sample injector tube, which spaceis typically within the volume circummscribed by the outer tube of thestandard torch system, in which space a plasma is typically created. Aswell, typically tangentially injected gas flows are typically enteredinto the annular spaces between the outer surface of the sample injectortube and the inner surface of the intermediate tube, and between theouter surface of the intermediate tube and the inner surface of theouter tube. (Note, tangential is to be understood to mean that a gasflow follows a spiral-like upward locus path from its point of entry tothe standard torch). The typically tangential gas flows are entered byway of intermediate and outer ports also present in the torch. Saidtypically tangentially injected gas flows serve to shield the varioustubes which they contact from the intense temperatures and heat formedby creation of a plasma in the upper aspects of the torch, and to someextent aid sample flow into the plasma associated area.

The Fassel et al. invention teaches that rather than enter a previously,distally, nebulized sample to the sample access port of a standardtorch, a micro nebulizer should be entered into the sample injector portand positioned so that the upper aspect thereof is at an essentiallyequal vertical level with the upper aspect of the sample injector tubeof the standard torch, into which the micro nebulizer is inserted.Sample solution is then entered into the micro nebulizer via a sampledelivery inner tube, directly, without any prior sample nebulizationbeing performed thereon. The Fassel et al. micro nebulizer is designedto cause sample solution entered thereto, to eject from the upper aspectof the micro nebulizer and, be nebulized thereat. The upper aspect ofthe sample delivery inner tube thereof, is positioned at essentially thesame vertical level as the upper aspect of the sample injector tube ofthe standard torch, hence, is located very near the position at which aplasma can be created for use in analysis of the ejected nebulizedsample. It will be appreciated that the only nebulizer internal volumewhich exists is that within the micro nebulizer and the associatedconnection means thereto from the source of sample solution. Saidinternal volume is typically on the order of five (5) microliters and isorders of magnitude smaller than the internal volume associated with thesample injector tube of a standard torch and the connecting meansthereto from a remotely located conventional sample solution nebulizersystem.

To better understand the Fassel et al. micro nebulizer it is necessaryto better describe the system thereof. Basically, the Fassel et al.micro nebulizer is comprised of an inner tube and an outer tube, whichinner tube is concentrically circumscribed by said outer tube. The twoconcentric tubes are oriented vertically and placed into the first tube,which first tube can be thought of as the sample injector tube of astandard torch as described above. A sample solution of can be enteredinto the micro nebulizer at the lower aspect of the inner tube thereofand caused, under the influence of a pressure gradient, (typically 100to 1000 psi), to flow vertically upward and eject from the upper aspectof the inner tube of the micro nebulizer. Sample solution velocities onthe order of one-hundred (100) meters-per-second are common. Inaddition, a gas flow can be entered into the annular space between theouter surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tubeof the micro nebulizer, which gas flow interacts with the samplesolution flow at the point of its ejection from the inner tube of themicro nebulizer, thereby causing said sample solution to be nebulized byessentially pneumatic means. An additional gas flow can be injected intothe annular space which results between the outer surface of the outertube of the micro nebulizer and the inner surface of the sample injectortube of the standard torch into which the Fassel et al. micro nebulizeris inserted. Said gas flow can also aid with the sample solutionnebulization effect. The nebulized sample solution then immediatelyinjects into the space in the standard torch in which a plasma can becreated. The disclosure of the Fassel et al. Patent teaches that asupport tube should be epoxied to the outer surface of the outer tube ofthe micro nebulizer, along some portion thereof which is inside thefirst tube, (ie. sample injector tube of the standard torch), duringuse, apparently to protect the outer and inner tubes thereof againstbeing crushed when inserted into the sample injector tube of thestandard torch, and to aid with a firm fit within the sample injectortube of the standard torch into which the micro nebulizer is inserted.The Fassel et al. disclosure teachings also indicate that the outer andinner tubes of the micro nebulizer should be attached to the standardtorch by way of a fixed fitting, and that the upper aspect of the innertube of the micro nebulizer should be positioned vertically at a levelbelow the upper aspect of the sample injector tube of the standardtorch. The drawings of Fassel et al. show that the upper aspect of saidinner tube of the micro nebulizer is also placed vertically below theupper aspect of the outer tube of the micro nebulizer and that saidouter tube of the micro nebulizer and the sample injector tube of thestandard torch are tapered inwardly at their upper aspects. In use, ithas been found, that the Fassel et al. system as described above,particularly when used with high solids content sample solutions,becomes clogged at the upper aspect thereof. This results in thenecessity that the micro nebulizer be cleaned often, which cleaning isdifficult to perform and often leads to breakage of the micro nebulizer.It has also been discovered that the upper aspect of the inner tube ofthe Fassel et al. system is difficult to position inside the outer tubeof the Fassel et al. system, and that the Fassel et al. system tendsdislodge from the point at which it is secured inside the standard torchsample injector tube at the lower aspect of said sample injector tube,when relatively high pressure gas flow is entered into the annular spacebetween the outer surface of the outer tube of the micro nebulizer andthe inner surface of the sample injector tube of the standard torch. Itis emphasised that the securing of the micro nebulizer to the inside ofthe sample injector tube of the standard torch is by way of a fitting,through which fitting is run the outer and inner tubes of the micronebulizer.

In view of the above, users of the Fassel et al. system have found thatgreat utility would result from modifying the Fassel et al. system toprovide means which allow a user thereof to:

1. easily access the inner portion of the upper aspect of the micronebulizer; and

2. easily insert the inner tube of the micro nebulizer and adjust thevertical location of the upper aspect thereof independent from anyinteraction with the outer tube thereof.

Other improvements in the Fassel et al. system would result from use ofa protective sleeve around at least a portion of the extent of the innertube thereof, use of hydrofloric acid resistant nonmetalic materials inthe construction thereof, and use of a unibody design for the basicportion of the micro nebulizer, which unibody design allows forconnections at the lower, middle and upper vertical aspects thereof. Theconnection at the upper aspect thereof being to allow easy access andcleaning of accumulated sample solids, the connection at the loweraspect thereof being to allow inner tube upper aspect vertical levelpositioning, and the connection at the middle thereof being to allowattachment to a source of gas to cause a flow thereof into the annularspace between the outer surface of the inner tube of the micronebulizerand the inner surface of outer tube thereof, which outer tube thereofwould be formed by the unibody design of the micro nebulizer. The use ofonly nonmetalic materials is proposed to prevent untoward interactionwith plasma energy which is common when metals are present near aplasma, and the use of hydrofloric resistant materials, (eg.polyimides), is proposed to allow use of hydrofloric acid as a samplesolvent.

Another very recent Patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,740 to Meyer, recognizesthe benefits and problems associated with the Fassel et al.micronebulizer, and teaches an Intraspray ICP Torch which serves toovercome some of said problems. The Meyer invention, in essence,provides a low operational pressure equivalent to a micronebulizersystem at the lower aspect thereof, and also provides a series ofimpactors thereabove in a torch system portion of the invention. TheMeyer invention provides greater stability in both construction and innebulized sample solution flow to an ICP. Said impactors serve todeflect large diameter droplets (eg. over approximately fifteen (15)microns in diameter), and prevent their ejection from the upper aspectof the invention, and in addition to buffer the ejected flow ofnebulized sample solution.

In view of the benefits provided by the Fassel et al. micro nebulizer,and in view of the difficulties associated with use thereof, whichdifficulties have received recognition form users thereof, there is thusdemonstrated a need for an improved direct injection micro nebulizer.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The objectives identified in the Background Section of this Disclosureare achieved by the present invention.

The present invention is a total consumption Direct Injection MicroNebulizer System which can be inserted into the space within a sampleinjector tube of a standard torch, as described with respect to theFassel et al. invention in the Background Section of this Disclosure, orinto specially designed torches which, for instance, have no sampleinjector tube present. The present invention also accepts a samplesolution which has not been subject to prior nebulization and typicallyinjects it into a closely situated plasma in a sample analysis system,performing required sample solution nebulization directly, again much astaught in the Fassel et al. Patent. The present invention, however,provides utility not taught in Fassel et al. and can be used with sampleanalysis systems other than those utilizing torches and plasmas as itdoes not require the presence of an ICP torch sample injector tube aspart of its construction.

The present invention is, in its preferred embodiment, comprised of asystem of a primary body element, a top element, a double nut elementsystem, or functionally equivalent sample delivery tube systemadjustment means, and a sample delivery tube which is typicallyencompassed within a separate or integral protective sleeve over atleast a portion of its length, to form the sample delivery tube system.

The primary body element of the present invention is preferably, but notnecessarily, of unibody construction and is generally elongated in shapewith a distinct longitudinal dimension, and with a centrally locatedhole extending longitudinally therethrough. At the upper aspect of theprimary body element, as it is viewed in side elevation from a positionperpendicularly removed therefrom, with the longitudinal dimensionthereof projecting vertically upward, perpendicular to an underlyinghorizontal surface, is located a first connection means, which firstconnection means typically comprise female screws threads. A topelement, which has a centrally located longitudinally oriented holetherethrough and which has connection means oriented parallel to thelocus of said hole, which connection means are complimentary to saidfirst connection means at the upper aspect of the primary body element,is also typically present and removably attached to the primary bodyelement by way of said connection means. The top element can be of anelongated design which provides means for positioning the upper aspectof the top element near a plasma in an inductively coupled plasma torch,while maintaining the attached primary body element of the directinjection nebulizer system at some distance therefrom. At the loweraspect of the primary body element there is present a second connectionmeans, again comprising, typically, female screw threads. A double nutelement system, or functionally equivalent sample delivery tube systemadjustment means, which has a centrally located longitudinally orientedhole therethrough and which has connection means thereon, whichconnection means are complimentary to the second connection means at thelower aspect of the primary body element, is also present and removablyattached to the primary body element by way of said second connectionmeans. In one embodiment of the present invention a chromatographycolumn can be attached to the sample provision tube system at the loweraspect of the sample delivery tube system adjustment means to allowtemporal preseparation of sample components in a multi-analyte componentsample solution prior to entry thereof into the direct injectionnebulizer system. (Note, a chromatography column causes various analytecomponents in a sample solution to move therethrough, as the containingsample solution is passed therethrough, at varying rates based upon, forinstance, varying affinities for the various components by the materialspresent in the chromatography column.) Also present on said primary bodyelement is a third connection means which provides access to thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole which projects throughthe primary body element.

The sample delivery tube of the present invention is typically, over atleast the portion of its length extending from the lower aspect of thesample delivery tube system adjustment means, encompassed within aseparate or integral protective sleeve, and the combination sampledelivery tube and protective sleeve, forming a sample deliver tubesystem, is threaded into the centrally located longitudinally orientedhole through the double nut element system, or functionally equivalentsample delivery tube system adjustment means. The sample delivery tubeper se, (ie. the sample delivery tube system without the protectivesleeve), is then, typically, threaded through the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through the primary body element, then intoand out of the centrally located longitudinally oriented hole throughthe top element, when said top element is present. The top element, whenpresent, is then removably attached to the primary body element by wayof the connection means thereon which are complimentary to the firstconnection means present at the upper aspect of the primary bodyelement. It should be noted that inserting the sample delivery tube intothe centrally located longitudinally oriented hole which extends throughthe top element prior to removably attaching it to the upper aspect ofthe primary body element facilitates the direct injection nebulizersystem construction process. At the lower aspect of the direct injectionmicro nebulizer system the sample delivery tube system is removablyattached to the primary body element, via the upper oriented nut of thedouble nut element system, or functionally equivalent sample deliverytube system adjustment means, by way of the second connection meanspresent at the lower aspect of the primary body element. The lower nutof the double nut element system firmly grips the sample delivery tubesystem, and removably attaches to the upper nut of the double nutelement, or functionally equivalent sample delivery tube systemadjustment means, system by way of connection means thereon. It shouldbe understood that the vertical level of the upper aspect of the sampledelivery tube can then be easily adjusted by a user of the presentinvention by manipulating the upper nut of the double nut elementsystem, or functionally equivalent sample delivery tube systemadjustment means, where it removably attaches to second connection meansat the lower aspect of the primary body element of the direct injectionmicro nebulizer system taught herein.

During use with a standard torch and plasma sample analysis system, thepresent invention, as described above, is inserted into and securedwithin, the space within the sample injector tube of a standard torch,or within the intermediate tube of a specially designed torch which hasno sample injector tube present for instance, such that the upper aspectof the sample delivery tube is positioned just below the positiontherein at which a plasma can be created for use in the analysis ofsamples. The vertical level of the upper aspect of the sample deliverytube can be precisely adjusted by manipulation of the double nut elementsystem, or sample delivery tube system adjustment means functionalequivalent, as alluded to above. A sample solution is entered into thesample delivery tube, at the end thereof opposed to that present at theupper aspect of the present invention. Said sample solution is forced tomove through the sample delivery tube and eject from the upper aspectthereof. In addition, a gas flow is caused to be entered to the thirdconnection means on the primary body element. Said gas flow, under theinfluence of a pressure gradient, transverses the length of the primarybody element in the annular space between the outer surface of thesample delivery tube and the inner surface of the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through primary body element. At the upperaspect of the primary body element said gas flow is ejected from theupper aspect of the top element when present, from the annular spacebetween the outer surface of the sample delivery tube and the innersurface of the centrally located longitudinally oriented hole throughthe top element. The ejected sample solution interacts with said ejectedgas flow to effectively nebulize the sample solution into samplesolution droplets. In addition, an auxiliary sample gas flow can beentered into the annular space between the outer surface of the primarybody element of the present invention, and the inner surface of thesample injector tube of the standard torch, if present, by way of an theaccess port in the standard torch. Said gas flow, again under theinfluence of a pressure gradient, will eject from the annular space intowhich it is entered, and interact with the simultaneously ejected samplesolution and gas flow described above which is entered to the thirdconnection means of the primary body element. The overall effect beingto provide finely nebulized sample solution droplets, and cause same tobe vertically swept into the region of the standard, or speciallydesigned, torch in which a plasma can be created. If a speciallydesigned torch which has no sample injector tube present is used, theadditional gas flow just described, will of course, not be possible.

The present invention additionally, in the preferred embodiment thereof,is fabricated from hydrofloric acid resistant nonmetallic materials, andthe primary body element is firmly but removably secured within thesample injector tube of the standard, or intermediate tube of aspecially designed, torch with which it is used, by means of one or more"O" rings which circumscribe the primary body element.

It will be appreciated that the present invention allows a user thereofto easily access the inner space at the upper aspect of the primary bodyelement by removal of the top element. This feature allows easy cleaningof any solid sample build up at said location which might clog theinvention. In addition, threading the sample delivery tube into thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole through the top element,when it is present, can be easily performed when the top element isremoved from the first connection means at the upper aspect of theprimary body element. Also, as alluded to above, the vertical level ofthe upper aspect of the sample delivery tube can be easily and preciselyadjusted by manipulation of the upper nut element of the double nutsystem, or by manipulation of a functionally equivalent sample deliverytube system adjustment means at its attachment to the second connectionmeans on said primary body element.

Finally, while the use of a standard or specially designed torch, suchas typically used in inductively coupled plasma analysis of samples wasused as an example in the above, it is to be understood that the presentinvention could also be inserted into a tube which leads to a massspectrometer sample analysis system, perhaps by way of a desolvationchamber. In such a system momentum separators, skimmers, roughing pumpsand ion focusing lenses etc. might be present. That is to say thepresent invention can be used with sample analysis systems which requiresample nebulization, other than sample analysis systems which utilizestandard or specially designed ICP torches and plasmas.

A better understanding of the present invention can be developed by astudy of the Detailed Description Section of this Disclosure, withreference to the included drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The use of sample solution nebulizer systems to prepare samples foranalysis is well known. Typically a sample solution is subjected toaerosol chamber contained pneumatic, mechanical or ultrasonic processes,for instance, which cause a sample solution to be nebulized at alocation distally situated from a sample analysis system, such as aninductively coupled plasma or mass spectrometry sample analysis system.As a result the nebulized sample must be transported to the sampleanalysis system through a relatively large internal volume connectionmeans. The aerosol chamber and connection means internal volume is thesource of numerous problems. For instance, its presence dictates that arelatively large amount of nebulized sample solution be available tofill same. The sensitivity of the overall sample analysis system is thusreduced. Additionally, said internal volume must often times be flushedout after an analysis procedure to prevent contamination of resultsobtained in subsequent analysis procedures.

In view of the above identified problems inventors have developed andPatented a Micro Nebulizer for Direct Injection of Samples to a sampleanalysis system. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,609 to Fassel et al. Said MicroNebulizer is, during use, placed, and performs nebulization, very nearassociated sample analysis equipment, which in the case of the Fassel etal. invention involves placement in the sample injector tube of aninductively coupled plasma sample analysis system standard torch. Theinternal volume of the micro nebulizer is, as a result, kept very small,typically on the order of five (5) microliters. The overall effect isthat the sensitivity of an overall system using the Fassel et al. micronebulizer is increased and the "carry-over" of sample from one sampleanalysis procedure to a subsequent sample analysis procedure is easierto prevent because there is less internal volume to flush out betweenanalysis procedures.

Users of the Fassel et al. micro nebulizer have found, however, thatcertain design features thereof make it inconvenient to use. Forinstance it is difficult to clean the device without completely breakingit down, and it is difficult to adjust the upper aspect of the innertube, which inner tube carries a sample solution flow, with respect tothe upper aspect of the outer tube thereof. It is noted that the annularspace between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surfaceof the outer tube provides a pathway through which a gas flow ismaintained during use of the micro nebulizer. Said gas flow interactswith the sample solution flow at the location at which both flowssimultaneously eject from the upper aspect of the micro nebulizer tocause the sample solution to be nebulized into sample solution droplets.The two flows alluded to, it will be appreciated, must eject at properorientations with respect to one another or proper sample solutionnebulization is not achieved. The utility of an ability to easily adjustthe vertical location of the upper aspect of the inner tube with respectto that of the outer tube should then be appreciated. It has also beenfound that the inner tube of the Fassel et al. invention can be easilycrushed, for example when the invention is being cleaned. A separate orintegral protective sleeve which covers at least a portion thereof wouldtherefore provide utility. Additionally, it is taught herein that themajor aspect of the direct injection micro nebulizer system shouldpreferably be of one piece unibody construction, should contain nometallic parts and be of a material which is resistant to degradation byhydrofloric acid. The later aspects of the design are related to theoccurance of untoward effects when the invention is placed near aninductively coupled plasma, and to the fact that samples to be nebulizedat times are solvated by a solvent containing hydrofloric acid or thefact that hydrofloric acid is sometimes used as a cleaning agent inanalysis systems.

In addition, the present invention provides that the direct injectionnebulizer system should be designed to allow use with not only standardICP torch sample analysis systems, but also with ICP torches which haveno sample injector tube present or with other sample analysis systemssuch as mass spectrometer sample analysis systems. That is, the directinjection micro nebulizer system should not require attachment to thesample injector tube of a standard ICP torch to be utilized.

An improved micro nebulizer system, termed a Direct Injection MicroNebulizer System, is thus taught herein, which serves to overcome theproblems inherent in the use of the Fassel et al. invention.

It is therefore a purpose of the present invention to provide a directinjection micro nebulizer system which is easy to clean.

It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a directinjection micro nebulizer system in which adjustment of the verticallocation of the upper aspect of the inner, sample delivery, tube withrespect to the outer tube, (termed a primary body element in the presentinvention), is easy to carry out.

It is yet another purpose of the present invention to teach a directinjection micro nebulizer system which is constructed from nonmetalicand/or hydrofloric acid resistant materials.

It is still yet another purpose of the present invention to teach adirect injection micro nebulizer system which provides one piece orunibody construction of the major element, the primary body element, ofthe invention.

Still yet another purpose of the present invention is to teach the useof a separate or integral protective sleeve on the sample delivery,(i.e.inner tube of Fassel et al. invention), tube to form a crush resistantsample delivery tube system.

Yet still another purpose of the present invention is to teach a directinjection micro nebulizer system which can be used in sample analysissystems which do not provide a sample injector tube of a standard ICPtorch as an element thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a side elevational view of one embodiment of the presentinvention in cross section, as viewed from a position perpendicularlyremoved therefrom.

FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of a portion of a sample delivery tubesystem of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of a standard torch used ininductively coupled plasma analysis of samples, with the presentinvention present in the sample injector tube thereof, viewed from aposition perpendicularly removed therefrom.

FIG. 3 shows a portion of the present invention oriented horizontally incross section, with block diagrams representing sample analysis systemelements other than an inductively coupled plasma standard torch.

FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of thepresent invention in cross section, as viewed from a positionperpendicularly removed therefrom.

FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of a specially designed torch usedin inductively coupled plasma analysis of samples, with the modifiedembodiment of the present invention present within the intermediate tubethereof, viewed from a position perpendicularly removed therefrom.

FIG. 6 shows a modular sample injector tube system which can be placedin the specially designed torch of FIG. 5 in place of the modifiedembodiment of the present invention of FIG. 4 when it is desired toutilize sample solution nebulizing means located distally from thesample analysis system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1a one embodiment ofthe present invention (10), in cross sectional elevation as viewed froma position perpendicularly removed therefrom with the longitudinaldimension thereof projecting vertically upward from an underlyinghorizontal surface. In particular note that there is shown a primarybody element (1), typically of unibody construction, a top element (2),a double nut element system (11) comprised of upper nut (8) and lowernut (7), a sample delivery tube system (3) comprised of a sampledelivery tube (3b) and a protective sleeve (3a), and an "O" ring (12).FIG. 1b shows an enlarged view of a portion of the sample delivery tubesystem (3) in perspective, showing that the sample delivery tube system(3) can be comprised of a sample delivery tube (3b) and a protectivesleeve (3a) through which the sample delivery tube (3b) is threaded,over at least a portion of its length. Said protective sleeve (3a)serves to protect the sample delivery tube (3b) against being crushed.(It is mentioned that a high strength crush resistant sample deliverytube (3b) per se. could alone comprise a sample delivery tube system (3)with the protective sleeve (3a) being an integral component thereof). Itis also possible to provide sample delivery tube system (3) with atemperature control element such as an ohmic high resistance electricalconducting coil wound therearound along at least a portion of itslength, (similar to the shown protective sleeve (3a)), so that duringuse of the direct injection micro nebulizer (10) in a sample analysisprocedure the temperature of said sample delivery tube system (3) can becontrolled. Controlling the temperature thereof can lead to a decreasedtendency of sample solids to adhere to and deposit inside the sampledelivery tube (3b) during use. As a result a lessened chance that thesample delivery tube system (3) will become clogged is achieved. It isnoted that the sample delivery tube (3b) is typically fifty (50)micrometers inner diameter and one-hundred-eighty (180) micrometersouter diameter. As well, the primary body element (1) is typicallyapproximately one-hundred (100) milimeters in length. These dimensionsare exemplary and not limiting, however.

Continuing, note that the top element (2), primary body element (1) andupper and lower nuts (6) and (7) respectively have centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented holes therethrough, through which the sampledelivery tube system (3), or at least the sample delivery tube (3b) perse can be threaded. (Note, the term "centrally located" is to be takento mean that when the various elements of the present invention areproperly attached to one another, the longitudinally oriented holesthrough them line up with one another so as to provide a continuous holethrough the assembled direct injection micro nebulizer system). It isnoted that the inner diameter of the centrally located longitudinallyoriented hole through the top element (2) is typically, but notnecessarily, two-hundred (200) micrometers. As a result the annularspace between the outer surface of the sample delivery tube and theinner surface of the centrally located longitudinally oriented holethrough the top element (2), when the sample delivery tube (3b) isthreaded therethrough, is only approximately ten (10) micrometersradially. Also note that the primary body element (1) has, at its upperaspect, a first connection means (4), typically comprised of femalescrew threads, which first connection means interacts with complimentaryconnection means on the lower aspect of top element (2) to removablyattach top element (2) to said primary body element (1). The primarybody element (1) also provides a second connection means (5), at thelower aspect thereof, typically female screw threads, which secondconnection means (5) interact with complimentary connection means on theupper aspect of upper nut (6) of the double nut system (11), toremovably attach upper nut (6) to the lower aspect of the primary bodyelement (1). The lower aspect of the upper nut (6) provides connectionmeans (8), typically female screw threads, which connection meansinteract with complimentary connection means at the upper aspect of thelower nut (7) to removably attach said second nut (7) to said first nut(6). The primary body element also presents a third connection means(9), typically female screw threads, which allows attachment thereof toa source of gas flow, which gas flow is identified as "G" in FIG. 2.Said third connection means (9) provides access to the centrally locatedspace of the centrally located longitudinally oriented hole which ispresent through the primary body element (1), which space is designated(1s), by way of access port (9p).

It is to be understood that sample delivery tube system (3) is caused tobe firmly, but removably, secured to the lower nut (7) of the double nutelement system (11). This is typically accomplished by providing atapering female screw thread connection means at the lower aspect of theupper nut (6), into which complimentary connection means, comprisingmale screw threads at the upper aspect of the lower nut (7), can screw.As the complimentary connection means are caused to be screwed into theconnection means (8) at the lower aspect of the upper nut (6), thecentrally located hole through lower nut (7) is caused to collapse tosome extent and firmly grasp said sample delivery tube system (3). It isalso to be understood that the second connection means (5) at the loweraspect of the primary body element (1) allows complimentary connectionmeans at the upper aspect of upper nut (6) to be manipulated withrespect to the second connection means (5) on primary body element (1),so that the vertical location of the upper aspect of sample deliverytube (3b) can be precisely adjusted, when the sample delivery tube (3b)is threaded through the entire direct injection micro nebulizer systemas shown in FIG. 1a. Said manipulation typically comprises turning ofupper nut (6) with respect to primary body element (1), although anyfunctionally equivalent system can be used.

It should be also appreciated that the first connection means (4) at thetop of primary body element (1) allows a user of the present inventionto easily gain access to the upper aspect of the space (1s) withing theprimary body element (1) by removal of top element (2). This allows easythreading of sample delivery tube (3b), and easy cleaning of any samplesolids which might accumulate within the space (1s) of the primary bodyelement (1) during use in a sample analysis procedure. Said samplesolids accumulation would, for instance, occur if the upper aspect ofthe sample delivery tube (3b) were not threaded through thelongitudinally oriented centrally located hole in the top element. Thiswould configure the system very much like the system shown in the Fasselet al. Patent. It is noted, however, that the preferred arrangement ofthe present invention provides that the upper aspect of the sampledelivery tube (3b) be threaded through the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole which transverses the top element (2).

The preferred materials from which the present invention is constructedare hydrofloric acid resistant and nonmetallic. This is important assome sample solids are solvated in solvent containing hydrofloric acid,and metals can interact with energy fields when the direct injectionmicro nebulizer is placed into an inductively coupled plasma analysissystem, discussed below with respect to FIG. 2. Said interaction cancause untoward effects.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side elevational view, as viewedfrom a position perpendicularly removed therefrom, of a standard torch(20) used with Inductively Coupled Plasma sample analysis systems, withthe present invention (10) shown placed therein. Note the presence of anouter tube (21), intermediate tube (22) and sample injector tube (23),as well as an outer port (16), intermediate port (17), auxiliary sampleflow port (19) and a sample injector port (23p). When the standard torch(20) is used without the present invention (10) present therein, aliquid sample flow "C" is entered at the sample injector port (23p), andcaused, typically under the influence of a pressure gradient, to flowvertically through the sample injector tube (23) and eject into thespace above the vertically upper aspect of the sample injector tube,which space is designated as (25), at which location a plasma istypically caused to exist during use. Note it is also possible to inducesample flow by application of an electric potential between the upperand lower extents of the sample delivery tube, said voltage constitutinga functionally equivalent pressure gradient. Such an interpretation isto be considered within the scope of the claims. Vertically ortangentially directed gas flows "A" and "B" are entered at the outer andintermediate ports (16) and (17) respectively, and under the influenceof pressure gradient move upward through the spaces of the standardtorch (20) into which they are injected. Typically tangentially directedflows are used in which the gas follows a vertically upward spiral-likemotion. The purposes of said injected gas flows "A" and "B" are toshield the components of the standard torch (20), (eg. (21), (22) and(23)), which they contact against the temperature and heat produced by acreated plasma, and to aid the sample entry flow "C" into said plasma.It is mentioned that normally the auxiliary sample flow port (19) willnot be used when the standard torch (20) is used without the presentinvention (10) present therein.

Now, FIG. 2 shows the present invention (10) as inserted into the spacewithin the sample injector tube (23) of the standard torch (20). In usethe typically tangentially injected gas flows "A" and "B" at outer andintermediate ports (16) and (17) respectively will again be injected forpurposes similar to those described above. With the present invention(10) present, however, a sample solution is entered into the sampledelivery tube (3b) and caused to flow through the length of said sampledelivery tube (3b) and eject from the vertically upper aspect thereofinto the space (25) of the standard torch (20) in which a plasma can becreated. Note that the sample solution is not nebulized prior to entryto the sample delivery tube (3b). In addition, a gas flow "G" isinjected into port (9p) of the primary body element (1) and caused toflow through the annular space (1s) within the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole which vertically transverses the primarybody element, between the outer surface of the sample delivery tubesystem (3) and the inner surface of the centrally located longitudinallyoriented hole through the primary body element (1), and out thereofbetween the annular space between the outer surface of the sampledelivery tube (3b) and the inner surface of the longitudinally orientedcentrally located hole which is present through the top element (2).Interaction of the sample solution flow "C" and the gas flow "G" whereboth eject from the vertically upper aspect of the present inventioncauses nebulization of the sample solution to occur. Said nebulizationcan be aided by injection of an auxiliary sample gas flow "F" atauxiliary sample port (19) of the standard torch (20), which gas flow"F" ejects from the annular space between the outer surface of theprimary body element (1) of the present invention and the inner surfaceof the sample injector tube (23) of the standard torch (20) and helpsfurther nebulize, and to sweep, the nebulized sample flow created byinteraction of flows "C" and "G" upward into space (25) of the standardtorch (20).

Also note the presence of an "O" ring (12) around the outer surface ofprimary body element (1). Said "O" ring (12) serves to firmly secure thepresent invention (10) inside the sample injector tube of the standardtorch (20).

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a partial view of the presentinvention (10), oriented with the longitudinal dimension thereofprojecting horizontally so that top element (2) is at the right of theprimary body element (1) in said figure. Also shown are blocks (31) and(32). Said blocks represent, generally, elements of sample analysissystems other than those that use Inductively Coupled Plasmas andstandard torches, as were described above. Block (31) for instance,might represent a vacuum desolvation chamber, and block (32) a massspectrometer.

It is not the purpose of the present disclosure to teach the operationof various sample analysis systems, but only to disclose a new totalconsumption direct injection micro nebulizer system which can be usedwith various sample analysis systems. The claims are to be interpretedso as to include use of the presently disclosed invention with anysample analysis system.

Finally, as regards FIGS. 1 and 2, the double nut element system (11) ofthe present invention demonstrates a means by which the vertical levelof the upper aspect of the sample delivery tube system (3) can be easilyand conveniently adjusted without the requirement that the presentinvention system be dismantled. Any functionally equivalent sampledelivery tube system adjustment means is to be considered as within thescope of the claims.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a modified embodiment ofthe present invention and torch. FIG. 4 shows a direct injection micronebulizer system (40) which is functionally similar to that describedwith respect to FIG. 1a, but with design modifications present.Generally, primary body element (41) provides first, second and thirdconnection means (44), (45) and (49) respectively. Top element (42)attaches to first connection means (44) as does top element (2) attachto first connection means (4) in FIG. 1, but top element (42) haspresent an elongated portion, (eg. approximately seventy (70) milimeterslong), which is not present in top element (2). In addition it is notedthat the primary body element (41) is typically, but not necessarily,approximately one-hundred (100) milimeters long and approximatelyfifteen (15) milimeters outer diameter at the point at which it enters atorch as shown in FIG. 5. Reference to FIG. 5 shows that the elongatedportion of top element (42) allows positioning sample delivery tube (3b)which threads therethrough near the location (55) in torch (50) where aplasma can be formed during use, without positioning the verticallyupper aspect of primary body element (41) near thereto. Also shown inFIG. 4 are upper nut (46) and lower nut (47), the system of which allowseasy adjustment of the vertical level of the upper aspect of the sampledelivery tube (3b). Upper nut (46) attaches to second connection means(45) of the primary body element (41), and lower nut (47) attaches tothe upper nut (46) by means of connection means (48). Sample deliverytube system (3) is firmly gripped by lower nut (47), and adjustment ofthe connection between the primary body element (41) and the upper nut(46) allows easy adjustment of the vertical level of the upper aspect ofthe sample delivery tube (3b). Third connection means (49) allowsattachment to a source of gas flow shown as "G" in FIG. 5. Interactionbetween sample flow "C" and gas flow "G" where both eject from the upperaspect of top element (42) causes sample nebulization. Note that FIG. 5shows a torch (50) which does not have a sample injector tube analogousto sample injector tube (23) in FIG. 2. As a result there is noprovision for a gas flow analogous to gas flow "F" shown in FIG. 2. Thetorch of FIG. 5 secures the primary body element (41) of the presentinvention within intermediate tube (52) by way of "O" rings (12), which"O" rings are typically present as a pair thereof. The outer tube (51)is analogous to outer tube (21) of FIG. 2 and ports (56) and (57) areanalogous to ports (16) and (17) in FIG. 2. Gas flows "A" and "B" aresimilar in both FIGS. 5 and 2. It is noted that when the torch (50) isused, it is possible to remove the direct injection micro nebulizer (40)therefrom and insert a separate sample injector tube assembly. FIG. 6shows a modular sample injector tube system (60) with substitute primarybody element (41p) and sample injector tube (42p) present. This allowseasy convertability of the torch from one which uses the presentinvention to one which allows use of sample nebulized by other (eg.pneumatic, ultrasonic etc.) means at a distal location.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows lower nut (47) as being coupled to achromatography column (59). When this, or equivalent, configuration ispresent, a sample solution "C" entered to the sample delivery tube (3b)will typically contain multi-analyte components. The chromatographycolumn (59) will cause temporal separation of the various analytecomponents in a solution passed therethrough, based upon differingtransport characteristics of each analyte component in thechromatography column. As a result, a single sample analysis proceduremight be able to identify a sequence of sample analyte components veryeasily and conveniently. Chromatography, it is mentioned, is a wellknown technique for providing a means for separating sample analytecomponents in a multi component sample solution as said sample solutionis passed through a chromatography column.

Having hereby disclosed the subject matter of the present invention, itshould be obvious that many modifications, substitutions, and variationof the present invention are possible in light of the teachings. It istherefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherthan as specifically described, and should be limited in breadth andscope only by the claims.

I claim:
 1. A direct injection micro nebulizer system comprising:aprimary body element, a sample delivery tube system, and a sampledelivery tube system adjustment means; said primary body element beingof a generally elongated shape presenting with a longitudinal dimensionand having a first connection means at an upper aspect thereof, withupper aspect being defined as the vertically higher end of the primarybody element as viewed in side elevation from a position perpendicularlyremoved therefrom while the longitudinal dimension thereof projectsvertically upward and perpendicular to an underlying horizontal surface;and said primary body element also having a second connection means at alower aspect thereof, and a third connection means thereon; said sampledelivery tube system comprising, at a minimum, a sample delivery tube;said sample delivery tube system adjustment means being connected tosaid primary body element at the second connection means thereof; saidprimary body element and sample delivery tube system adjustment meanshaving centrally located longitudinally oriented holes therethrough;said sample delivery tube system being threaded into the centrallylocated longitudinally oriented hole in the sample delivery tube systemadjustment means and through the centrally located longitudinallyoriented hole through the primary body element so that the upper aspectof the sample delivery tube is at a position near the upper aspect ofthe primary body element; the position of the upper aspect of saidsample delivery tube being precisely adjustable by manipulation of thesample delivery tube system adjustment means; said sample delivery tubeallowing a sample solution to be entered thereto at a lower aspectthereof and forced to flow through said sample delivery tube to theupper aspect thereof; said third connection means on the primary bodyelement allowing gas to be entered into and be forced to flow throughthe annular space formed between the outer surface of the sampledelivery tube and the inner surface of the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through the primary body element; such thatduring use said sample solution flow and said gas flow aresimultaneously ejected from the upper aspects of the sample deliverytube and the annular space between the outer surface of the sampledelivery tube and the inner surface of the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through the primary body elementrespectively, and interact with one another such that the samplesolution is caused to be nebulized.
 2. A direct injection micronebulizer system as in claim 1, which further comprises a top elementhaving a centrally located longitudinally oriented hole therethrough,said top element being attached to the first connection means of theprimary body element by way of complimentary connection means thereon,with said sample delivery tube being threaded through the centrallylocated longitudinally oriented hole in said top element so that theupper aspect thereof is positioned beyond the upper aspect of the topelement, such that the gas which flows through the annular space betweenthe outer surface of the sample delivery tube and the inner surface ofthe centrally located longitudinally oriented hole through the primarybody element ejects from the annular space between the outer surface ofthe sample delivery tube and the inner surface of the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through the top element during use.
 3. Adirect injection micro nebulizer system as in claim 2, in which saidprimary body element and top element, are constructed from hydrofluoricacid resistant nonmetallic material.
 4. A direct injection micronebulizer system as in claim 1, which further comprises a chromatographycolumn which is attached to the sample delivery tube system, throughsaid chromatography column a sample solution flows prior to flowingthrough the sample delivery tube.
 5. A direct injection micro nebulizersystem as in claim 1, in which said sample delivery tube systemincludes, along at least a portion of its length, a temperature controlelement for use in controlling the temperature thereof and sampleflowing therethrough during use.
 6. A direct injection micro nebulizersystem as in claim 1, which further comprises a protective sleeve alongat least a portion of its length, to prevent crushing of said sampledelivery tube.
 7. A direct injection micro nebulizer system as in claim1, in which the first, second and third connection means of the primarybody element comprise female screw threads.
 8. A direct injection micronebulizer system as in claim 2, in which the top element and the sampledelivery tube system adjustment means are attached to the primary bodyelement at the first and second connection means thereof respectively ina manner which allow easy removal thereof.
 9. A direct injection micronebulizer system as in claim 1, in which the first connection means ofthe primary body element is simply the upper aspect of thelongitudinally oriented centrally located hole through said primary bodyelement.
 10. A direct injection micro nebulizer system as in claim 1 inwhich the sample delivery tube system adjustment means comprises adouble nut system, with the first nut thereof having connection meanscomplimentary to the second connection means of the primary bodyelement, and the second nut thereof having connection means thereonwhich are complimentary to additional connection means in the first nutthereof and means for firmly securing the sample delivery tube systemsuch that when the two nuts are connected to one another, and thecombination is connected to the primary body element at the secondconnection means thereof, adjustment of the first nut connection in thesecond connection means of the primary body element causes the positionof the upper aspect of the sample delivery tube to be precisely adjustedwith respect to the upper aspect of the primary body element.
 11. Adirect injection micro nebulizer system as in claim 1 which furthercomprises a standard torch of the type used in inductively coupledplasma analysis of samples, in combination with the direct injectionmicro nebulizer system, which standard torch comprises:an outer tubewhich concentrically encompasses an intermediate tube, whichintermediate tube concentrically encompasses a sample injector tube,each of which tubes is of a generally elongated shape and presents witha longitudinal dimension; outer, intermediate, sample and auxiliarysample flow ports; said outer port providing access to the annular spacebetween the outer surface of the intermediate tube and the inner surfaceof the outer tube; said intermediate port providing access to theannular space between the outer surface of the sample injector tube andthe inner surface of the intermediate tube; and said sample and sampleauxiliary sample flow ports providing access to the space within thesample injector tube, said sample flow port being located at the loweraspect of the standard torch, with lower aspect being defined as thevertically lower end of said standard torch as it is viewed in sideelevation from a position perpendicularly removed therefrom, with thelongitudinal dimensions of the various tubes projecting verticallyupward, perpendicular to an underlying horizontal surface; said directinjector micro nebulizer system being inserted into the space within thesample injector tube of the standard torch by way of the sample flowport at the lower aspect thereof thereby becoming concentricallyencompassed by the sample injector tube; said outer and intermediateflow ports allowing entrance of gas flows which serve to protect thetubes of the standard torch which they contact against the hightemperatures and heat of a plasma which can be created inside the outertube at the upper aspect of said standard torch, and to aid nebulizedsample to flow thereto; and said auxiliary sample gas flow port allowingentry of a gas flow into the annular space between the outer surface ofthe direct injection micro nebulizer system and the inner surface of thesample injector tube, which gas flow interacts with the nebulized sampleflow created by interaction of the ejected sample solution and the gasflow entered to sample delivery tube and the third connection means ofthe primary body element of the direct injection micro nebulizer systemrespectively, to further nebulize the sample and to aid its flow intothe upper aspect of the standard torch wherein a plasma can be createdfor use in the analysis of the nebulized sample.
 12. A direct injectionmicro nebulizer system as in claim 1 which further comprises a speciallydesigned torch of the type used in inductively coupled plasma analysisof samples, in combination with the direct injection micro nebulizersystem, which specially designed torch comprises:an outer tube whichconcentrically encompasses an intermediate tube, each of which tubes isof a generally elongated shape presenting with a longitudinal dimension;outer, intermediate and sample flow ports; said outer port providingaccess to the annular space between the outer surface of theintermediate tube and the inner surface of the outer tube; saidintermediate and sample flow ports providing access to the space withinthe intermediate tube, said sample flow port being located at the loweraspect of the specially designed torch, with lower aspect being definedas the vertically lower end of said specially designed torch as it isviewed in side elevation from a position perpendicularly removedtherefrom, with the longitudinal dimensions of the various tubesprojecting vertically upward, perpendicular to an underlying horizontalsurface; said direct injection micro nebulizer system being insertedinto the space within the intermediate tube of the specially designedtorch by way of the sample flow port therein thereby becomingconcentrically encompassed by the intermediate tube; said outer portallowing entrance of a gas flow which serve to protect the tubes of thespecially designed torch which it contacts against the high temperaturesand heat of a plasma which can be created inside the outer tube at theupper aspect of said specially designed torch, and said gas flow enteredto the intermediate port serving to interact with the nebulized sampleflow created by interaction with the sample solution and gas flowsentered to lower aspect of the sample delivery tube and the thirdconnection means of the primary body element of the direct injectionmicro nebulizer system respectively, to further nebulize the sample andto aid its flow into the upper aspect of the specially designed torchwherein a plasma can be created for use in the analysis of the nebulizedsample.
 13. A method of nebulizing a sample solution comprising thesteps of:a. obtaining a direct injection micro nebulizer systemcomprising:a primary body element, a sample delivery tube system, and asample delivery tube system adjustment means; said primary body elementbeing of a generally elongated shape presenting with a longitudinaldimension and having a first connection means at an upper aspectthereof, with upper aspect being defined as the vertically higher end ofthe primary body element as viewed in side elevation from a positionperpendicularly removed therefrom while the longitudinal dimensionthereof projects vertically upward and perpendicular to an underlyinghorizontal surface; and said primary body element also having a secondconnection means at a lower aspect thereof, aspect thereof, and a thirdconnection means thereon; said sample delivery tube system comprising,at a minimum, a sample delivery tube; said sample delivery tube systemadjustment means being connected to the primary body element at thesecond connection means thereof; said primary body element and sampledelivery tube system adjustment means being centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented holes therethrough; said sample delivery tubesystem being threaded into the centrally located longitudinally orientedhole in the sample delivery tube system adjustment means and through thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole through the primary bodyelement so that the upper aspect of the sample delivery tube is at aposition near the upper aspect of the primary body element; the positionof the upper aspect of said sample delivery tube being preciselyadjustable by manipulation of the sample delivery tube system adjustmentmeans; said sample delivery tube allowing a sample solution to beentered thereto at a lower aspect thereof and be forced to flow throughsaid sample delivery tube to the upper aspect thereof; said thirdconnection means on the primary body element allowing gas to be enteredinto and force to flow through the annular space formed between theouter surface of the sample delivery tube and the inner surface of thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole through the primary bodyelement; such that during use said sample solution flow and said gasflow are simultaneously ejected from the upper aspects of the sampledelivery tube and the annular space between the outer surface of thesample delivery tube and the inner surface of the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through the primary body elementrespectively and interact with one another such that the sample solutionis caused to be nebulized; b. entering a sample solution to the sampledelivery tube at the lower aspect thereof and causing said samplesolution to flow to the upper aspect of said sample delivery tube andeject therefrom while simultaneously entering a gas flow into the thirdconnection means on the primary body element and causing it to flowthrough the annular space between the outer surface of the sampledelivery tube and the inner surface of the centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through the primary body element and ejectfrom the upper aspect of said annular space, thereat interacting withthe simultaneously ejected sample solution flow in a manner which causesthe sample solution to become nebulized.
 14. A method of nebulizing asample solution as in claim 13, which further comprises, prior to use ofthe direct injection micro nebulizer system to nebulize a samplesolution, the step of attaching a top element to the primary bodyelement of the direct injection micro nebulizer system, said top elementhaving a centrally located longitudinally oriented hole therethrough andsaid top element being attached to the first connection means of theprimary body element by way of complimentary connection means thereon,and said sample delivery tube being threaded through the centrallylocated longitudinally oriented hole in said top element so that theupper aspect thereof is positioned beyond the upper aspect of the topelement, and said gas which flows in the annular space between the outersurface of the sample delivery tube and the inner surface of thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole through the primary bodyelement ejects from the annular space which exists between the outersurface of the sample delivery tube and the inner surface of thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole through the top element.15. A method of nebulizing a sample solution as in claim 13, whichfurther comprises, prior to use of the direct injection micro nebulizersystem to nebulize a sample solution, the step of precisely adjustingthe position of the upper aspect of the sample delivery tube withrespect to that of the primary body element by manipulation of thesample delivery tube system adjustment means.
 16. A method of nebulizinga sample solution as in claim 13, which further comprises, prior to useof said direct injection micro nebulizer system to nebulize a samplesolution, the step of providing the sample delivery tube system, alongat least a portion of its length, with a temperature control element foruse in controlling the temperature of said sample delivery tube systemduring use, and during use controlling said temperature control elementso that the temperature of said sample delivery tube and sample flowingtherein is maintained as desired by a user of the system.
 17. A methodof nebulizing sample solution as in claim 13, which further comprisesthe step of causing the sample solution to flow through a chromatographycolumn prior to entering and flowing through the sample delivery tube.18. A sample analysis system for use with direct injection micronebulizer systems comprising a specially designed torch of the type usedin inductively coupled plasma analysis of samples, which speciallydesigned torch comprises:an outer tube which concentrically surrounds anintermediate tube, each of said tubes being of a generally elongatedshape presenting with a longitudinal dimension; outer, intermediate andsample flow ports; said sample flow and intermediate ports providingaccess to the space within the intermediate tube, said sample flow portbeing located at the lower aspect of the specially designed torch, withlower aspect being defined as the vertically lower end of said speciallydesigned torch as viewed in side elevation from a positionperpendicularly removed therefrom, with the longitudinal dimensions ofthe various tubes projecting vertically upward, perpendicular to anunderlying horizontal surface; said direct injection micro nebulizersystem, during use thereof, being inserted into the space within theintermediate tube of the specially designed torch by way of the sampleflow port, such that said intermediate tube thereby concentricallyencompasses said direct injection micro nebulizer; said intermediateflow port providing access to the annular space between the outersurface of the direct injection nebulizer system and the inner surfaceof the intermediate tube; said outer flow port providing access to theannular space between the outer surface of the intermediate tube and theinner surface of the outer tube; such that during use said outer andintermediate ports allow entrance of gas flows into the annular spaceswithin the specially designed torch said ports access, said gas flowsserving to protect the tubes of the specially designed torch which theycontact against the high temperatures and heat of a plasma which can becreated inside the outer tube at the vertically upper aspect of saidspecially designed torch, and to aid nebulized sample to flow thereto.19. A sample analysis system as in claim 18, in which the directinjection micronebulizer system can be removed from the intermediatetube and replaced with a modular sample injector tube system for usewith sample solutions which are nebulized distally from the sampleanalysis system.
 20. A direct injection micro nebulizer system as inclaim 1, in which the longitudinal dimension of the primary body elementis oriented vertically during use.
 21. A direct inject micro nebulizeras in claim 1, in which the longitudinal dimension of the primary bodyelement is oriented other than vertically during use.
 22. A directinjection micro nebulizer system of the type including a sample deliverytube system concentrically encompassed within a centrally locatedlongitudinally oriented hole through a primary body element of agenerally elongated shape; in which the improvement comprises a sampledelivery tube system adjustment mean which can be manipulated toprecisely adjust the longitudinal position of the sample delivery tubesystem with respect to the concentrically encompassing primary bodyelement, without the requirement that said direct injection micronebulizer system be disassembled or subjected to potentially damagingfores.
 23. A direct injection micro nebulizer system as in claim 22, inwhich all elements thereof are made of hydrofluoric acid resistantmaterials.
 24. A direct injection micro nebulizer system as in claim 22,in which all elements thereof are made of non-metallic materials.
 25. Adirect injection micro nebulizer system of the type including a sampledelivery tube system concentrically encompassed within a centrallylocated longitudinally oriented hole through a primary body element of agenerally elongated shape presenting with a longitudinal dimension; inwhich the improvement comprises a top element which removably attachesto the upper aspect of said primary body element, with upper aspectdefined to be the vertically higher end of the primary body element asviewed in side elevation from a position perpendicularly removedtherefrom while the longitudinal dimension thereof projects verticallyupward and perpendicular to an underlying horizontal surface, said topelement having a centrally located longitudinally oriented holetherethrough through which the sample delivery tube system projectsduring use, removal of which top element allows easy access to the upperaspect of the centrally located longitudinally oriented hole throughsaid direct injection micro nebulizer primary body element andfacilitates the threading of the sample delivery tube system through thecentrally located longitudinally oriented hole through said top element,without the requirement that said direct injection micro nebulizersystem be subjected to any potentially damaging forces.
 26. A directinjection micro nebulizer system as in claim 25, in which all elementsthereof are made of hydrofluoric acid resistant materials.
 27. A directinjection micro nebulizer system as in claim 25, in which all elementsthereof are made of non-metallic materials.